Improvement in corpse-coolers



Y ZSheets--SheetL G.-0. PECK. Corpse-Cooler.

Patented March 16, 1875.

N0.vl60,948.

RK' PLAGE. NY-

CHARLES O. BECK, OIFIATTSFILD, MASSACHUSETTS, ASSIGNOR TO NATHAN l Gr. BROWN, OF SAME PLACE.-

IMPROVEMENT IN.` CORPSE-CO'OLERS.

Specification forming part of Letters Patent No. 160,948, dated March 16, 1875; application filed4 February 13, 1875 To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, CHARLES O. Pnox, of' Pittsfield, in the county of Berkshire and State of Massachusetts, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Corpse-Preservers; and I do hereby declare that the following is a full, clear, and exact description thereof, which will enable others skilled in the art to which it pertains to make and use the same, reference being had to the accompanying drawings and to the letters of reference marked thereon, which form a part of this specification.

My invention relates to improvements in corpse-preservers such as described in the specification of Letters Patent granted to me bearing date' on or about the 9th day of December, 1873, N o. 145,307.

According to my present invention the corpse-preserver is constructed with a continuous water channel or receiver surrounding the entire chamber for receiving the corpse. An ice-box is arranged above the corpse-chamber, having a continuous bottom extending from side to side, with a series of perforated channels formed therein. Below these channels troughs are arranged provided With tubes leading to the channel around the corpse-cham ber. But that my invention may be fully understood, I will describe the same more in detail by reference to the drawings.

Figure l represents a perspective view of the apparatus with the cover of the ice-box removed. Fig. 2 is a vertical section. Fig. 3 is a cross-section through the line 1 1, Fig. 2. Fig. 4 is a perspective view of the box for containing the corpse, with the ice-box and cover removed.

VIn each of the views similar letters are employed to indicate corresponding parts Wherever they occur.

A represents the box for containing the body, which is laid upon a perforated/metallic platform, B, which is supported upon a rib or projection, B', extending down from the under side of the same, and resting on the bottom of the box A. This platform is provided at each side and at the end with hinged handles A1 A2 A3, for the purpose of raising the same, and

the body resting thereon, out of the preserver. The head of the corpse is received within the compartment or extension C, which is inclosed on the top by a cover, O1, tted with a sheet of plate-glass, C2, a hinged cover, C3, being arranged above the glass C2 for the purpose of protecting and closing over the same, when required. Around the box A and the extension or head chamber C a continuous channel, D, is formed for the purpose of receiving the Water escaping from the ice-box E. This channel extends completely around the box B and chamber C, thereby allowing of the free passage of the water completely round the corpse, but without contact therewith. Above the box A the ice-box E is arranged, which is formed rectangular, and constructed with a rim, E1, and a packing, E2, of felt or other suitable material, to form an airtight joint. The bottom E3 of the ice-box E is formed by preference of sheet metal, extending from side to side, troughshaped in cross-section, as shown by Fig. 3, each trough c being perforated, as shown. Beneath the troughs e another series of troughs, F, are arranged, which at their ends Fl are provided with pipes or tubes F2, for the purpose of conducting the Water from the ice in the ice-box, which drops through the openings in the troughs e into the troughs F, into the channel D.

The joints of the various parts are suitably packed to insure the interior of the preserver being thoroughly air-tight, and the parts are held together by hooks, clasps, or other suitable fastenings.

By this arrangement and construction of corpse-preservers it will be readily seen that a body may be removed from place to place, or kept in a compartment in good condition, for a very considerable time, and the necessity of employing pails or other receptacles for the purpose of catching the water melting from the ice in the box is dispensed with, the channel D around the box A and extension O being capable of holding as much water as could be produced if the whole of the ice contained in the box E melts.

Between the zinc lining and the outer casing in both the upper and lower boxes I place a inin g of rosin or other suitable paper for the purpose of preventing sweating or the collection of moisture.

Having described my invention, what I n claim, and desire to secure by Letters Patent,

The combination, With ajcorpse-preserver having a contin nous Water channel or receiver, D, surrounding the entire corpse-chamber, of the ice-box E, having a continuons bottom, E3, extending from side to side, With a series of perforated channels, e, formed therein, and troughs F, provided with tubes F2, substantially as described.

In testimony that I claim the foregoing as my own invention, I aix my signature in presence of two witnesses.

CHARLES O. PECK. Witnesses:

H. L. DAWEs, WM. II. GHIGKERING. 

